At first, only frost began to appear on his clothes, and then it turned to ice, but still, her power poured forth, no longer subject to her control. Her hands went numb, small ice crystals forming on them, while her foe iced up even more. Soon, he was frozen solid, and she finally dropped to her knees in exhaustion, the taste of blood in her mouth. A cracking noise reached her ears, and she looked up in fascination as the ice began to slew off of him, then fascination turned to horror as the mage's entire body fractured, falling to the ground like so much broken pottery. Natalia collapsed, accompanied by the sound of breaking glass.

With the death of Nezerov, the wall of fire ceased to exist. Cyric rushed forward, eager to be of assistance, only to see Natalia, slumped on the ground, but no sign of the Therengian. The brother rushed towards her fallen body, the earth around her stained red with blood.

"Natalia," he called out, "can you hear me?"

Lifting her head, he was distraught to see blood pouring from her ears and mouth.

All around him, people were finally reacting, released from the spectacle of the fight. Temple Knights rushed from the barracks, their weapons held ready.

Athgar fell back, blood pouring from his wound. He was burned, in pain, and struggling to stay conscious.

Commander Morvus stood in the doorway, blocking his exit. "Who are you?" the Temple Knight demanded.

"You burned my village!" roared Athgar. "You left me for dead in a burning hut."

"Did I?" Morvus remarked. "I don't remember, but I should have made sure you were dead when I took the rest of your people away."

Athgar backed farther into the room, placing himself behind a desk, desperate to put some space between them.

"Do you think that will help you?" Morvus declared. "I shall enjoy killing you!"

"I may die," said Athgar, "but I'll take you with me."

"With what?" his opponent said. "You have nothing left."

Athgar closed his eyes, digging deep for his spark.

Commander Morvus watched intently, mistaking his actions. "Go ahead, pray to your old Gods. It will do you no good."

Athgar released his power. One moment it was a simple office, the next, smoke began emanating from every piece of wood, then flames erupted, sucking the very air from their lungs. The Temple Knight dropped to his knees, struggling to breathe as thick black smoke engulfed the room.

Athgar sprinted for the door, but instead of exiting, he closed it, placing his back against it.

Commander Morvus crawled across the room, moving towards the exit, his sword slicing erratically through the air. It cut across Athgar's stomach, and blood gushed forth, staining the floor red. Athgar remained standing, and the Temple Knight watched in horror as even more words of magic fell from the Therengian's mouth.